This is a spreading tree, having ovate-oblong, fragrant leaves with short petioles. The flowers are small and white. The medium-sized fruit is egg-shaped, ending in a nipple-like point. The thin, smooth skin is aromatic. The juicy pulp is rich in citric acid. Many choice varieties of lemons have been introduced to Hawaii, but they have not thrived particularly well, because of the scale and insect pests which so greedily attack them; eternal vigilance is necessary in order to get the fruit matured; some very fine specimens, however, have been grown in Kona, at an elevation of 1500 feet. Plate XLII. |